By Ali Alkali
President Buhari assures safety of Nigerian Pilgrims and the commitment of the Federal Government at ensuring hitch free Hajj exercise of Nigerian pilgrims throughout their stay in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Buhari, represented by the FCT Minister, Malam Musa Bello, gave the assurance while inaugurating first flight for the 2018 Hajj with pilgrims from Kogi State, at the Nnamdi Azikwe International Airport, Abuja, at the weekend.
He said the Nigerian government, through the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) would do everything possible within the ambit of the law to ensure the comfort and security of Nigerian pilgrims from the point of departure until they return to Nigeria.
He advised the pilgrims to be good ambassadors of the country and to fervently pray for Nigeria to overcome its security, socioeconomic and political challenges.
“The Federal Government will continue to provide all the needed support to ensure that Nigerian pilgrims leave the soil of Nigeria safely, go to Saudi Arabia and perform Hajj successfully, and come back safely,” he said.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Abdullah Muhammad Mukhtar, thanked the President for his support and understanding whenever the commission sought for assistance to diligently deliver its mandate.
Mukhtar also applauded the Kogi State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board for keeping to schedule, which ensured a smooth inaugural ceremony of the first batch of Nigerian pilgrims from Kogi.
In his speech, the Saudi Arabian Ambassador to Nigeria, Adnan Bostaj, assured that the Kingdom had made all necessary arrangements for smooth operations of this year’s Hajj.
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